Fact check · Retake policy
What happens if you fail CySA+: the retake policy
If you fail CySA+, you can book the second attempt right away; from the third attempt on, CompTIA requires at least 14 calendar days since your last one. Every attempt is paid at the full exam price.
- Checked October 9, 2026
CompTIA's retake policy sets no waiting period between the first and second attempts and at least 14 calendar days before the third and any later attempt. Each attempt costs the full exam price, with no free retests or retake discounts.
Source: CompTIA certification retake policy page · checked
How the attempts line up
Attempt 1
First sitting
Your score appears at the end. A pass closes the sequence: after passing, you cannot take the same exam code again without CompTIA's prior consent.
Attempt 2
No wait
Book as soon as you like, with a new voucher or the retake from a bundle bought “with Retake”.
Attempt 3
14 calendar days later
At least 14 calendar days after the date of attempt 2.
Attempt 4 on
14 days each time
The same 14-day minimum, counted from your last attempt.
After a failed attempt
A score under the 750 passing mark stings, especially after months of evening study, and it can feel like proof you are not cut out for analyst work. It is narrower than that: the gap sits in specific domains, and the next attempt can aim at them. Before you book, take stock of three things:
- Which domains felt slow or shaky. Write the topics down the same day, while they are fresh; topics, never the wording of the items.
- Whether time ran out. If it did, pacing is part of the fix; the CySA+ question count page has a pacing plan.
- Which version you sat. English CS0-003 retires on December 22, 2026, so a retake after that date is a CS0-004 exam with its own content (CompTIA V3 page, checked October 2026).
Then pick the timing. The rules allow an immediate second attempt, which suits a near miss on one domain you can repair in days. A broad gap needs weeks, and rebooking fast to keep momentum spends another $425 (US price per the CompTIA FAQ, June 12, 2026) on the same result.
Rebuilding for the next attempt
Re-rank the domains
Order the four domains by how they felt, then check that order with the timed CySA+ mock exam, which scores each area.
Drill the weakest two
Work the domain drills in the CySA+ study guide and read the note on every option, including the ones you got right.
Re-time yourself
Sit the timed mock again in one go and compare the area scores with your first run.
Book with the waits in mind
If this will be your third attempt or later, count 14 calendar days from the last one before you choose a date.
Fine print in the policy and voucher termsRule
- Retakes are full price; CompTIA offers no free retests or retake discounts.
- A bundle's retake activates only after you sit the exam and do not pass. Skip the first sitting and both are void (CompTIA voucher terms, checked October 2026).
- An attempt that breaks the waiting rule is invalidated and can bring a suspension; repeat violators are banned.
- Beta exams can be taken once per candidate.
- How vouchers and bundles work: the CySA+ exam voucher page.
Sources
- CompTIA certification retake policy page (checked October 9, 2026)
- CompTIA voucher terms and conditions (checked October 9, 2026)
- CompTIA CySA+ V3 (CS0-003) exam page (checked October 9, 2026)
- CompTIA blog: The New CompTIA CySA+ (V4), Your Certification Questions Answered · published June 12, 2026 (checked October 9, 2026)
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